Geelong farmers markets highlight seasonal winter produce for healthy eating

Geelong shoppers filled stalls at the main weekly farmers market on Saturday for broccoli heads priced at $2.50 each and navel oranges at $4 per kilogram.

Winter produce reaches its best flavour and nutrient levels in July, which aligns with Barwon Health advice that residents increase vegetable intake to support immunity during colder months when fresh local supply is reliable.

The Geelong Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8am at the Showgrounds on Breakwater Road, drawing growers from the Bellarine Peninsula with direct sales of cauliflower and potatoes. A second option operates on the first Sunday of each month at the Pakington Street precinct in Newtown, where vendors set up near the Barwon River walking trail entrance and offer smaller lots of leafy greens and herbs.

Seasonal stock and local pricing

Market records from the past three seasons show average attendance at the Showgrounds site reached 1,800 visitors on peak July days, with carrot bunches selling out before midday at $3.50 each. A 2025 Barwon Health survey of 2,400 Geelong adults found that 34 percent reported buying at least half their vegetables from farmers markets in winter, up from 27 percent two years earlier.

Regulars at both sites note that produce picked within 48 hours travels shorter distances than supermarket stock, which keeps vitamin retention higher for items such as beetroot and kale now in full supply.

Planning a visit

Next week the Showgrounds market will open again on 11 July with the same growers confirmed, while the Newtown site returns on 2 August. Residents can check stall listings on the Geelong Farmers Market website before heading out, then discuss any specific dietary changes with a Barwon Health clinician or their usual GP.